Black Mountain Peninsula

By the waters of Lake Burley Griffin

• Location
• Facilities
• History
• A part of the history of Lake Burley Griffin
• Designed to fit into the landscape
• The place to enjoy the waters of the lake
• Reference
  

Location

Garryowen Drive, Acton.

• A map showing Inner North Region with the location of Black Mountain Peninsula marked.
• A map of Black Mountain Peninsula.

Facilities

Parking, toilets, water, BBQ’s, and playground.

History

Black Mountain Peninsula, in the suburb of Acton, is located adjacent to one of the best parts of Lake Burley Griffin for water based recreation. It is accessed off Lady Denman Drive on the north side of West Lake. Created from the 1960s onwards this large area of foreshore parkland, some 22.2 hectares in extent, provides opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the waters of the lake, whether for boating, swimming, paddling or just strolling on the waters edge. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds where families can enjoy themselves in a lakeside environment.

A part of the history of Lake Burley Griffin

The peninsula has been the subject of two different landscape schemes since the commencement of the National Capital. The first, which never proceeded, came in 1916 when Walter Burley Griffin saw it as part of his 'continental arboretum' on the lower southern slopes of Black Mountain. The second scheme came in the 1960s when the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) developed it as a waterside recreation area as part of the development of the lake. Previously natural tree cover extended down from Black Mountain and along the peninsula. Prior to the 1960s the peninsula's tip was a rubbish dump, however this was covered over as part of the NCDC's lake development.

The area was developed initially in the 1960s consistent with a landscape master plan prepared by the NCDC. Further modifications have occurred in the decades since but the plan has largely survived.

The area was officially named in 1963 and it is classified by the National Trust. In relation to the latter there is a remnant population of a rare bull oak (Casuarina birchmanii) and other items of interest.

Designed to fit into the landscape

The NCDC plan envisaged retention and strengthening, mostly with eucalypts, of the existing native landscape sweeping down from Black Mountain along the ridge. Near the shoreline it introduced deciduous species, while on the waters edge it used willows (Salix sp.), the swamp cypress (Taxoduim distichum) and the local river oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana), both for bank protection and aesthetic purposes. Further native species plantings were added in the 1980s. The diversity of flora provides interest for the visitor, the swamp cypresses making a magnificent display in the autumn.

In other development emphasis has been placed on provision of access for lake and lakeside recreation. Parking areas have been provided, while pedestrian and cycle access can be gained from the path system which circles the lake. Other facilities include: a boat launching ramp (power boats prohibited); swimming area; picnic areas; playgrounds; and two public toilets. There are two rowing sheds.

In 1979 a major playground was constructed as part of the city's contribution to the International Year of the Child.

The place to enjoy the waters of the lake

Black Mountain Peninsula is a popular place at weekends for young people and families. Boats can be launched (power boating is prohibited), and swimming is possible during the warmer months of the year at an established swimming area. No fees are charged for use of the boat ramp. The area is also popular for family picnics at the large number of barbecues and picnic tables provided.

At the quieter times of the week it is possible to enjoy a pleasant stroll along the foreshore and reflect on the beauty of the landscape and the magnificent views across Tarcoola Reach to the west and West Lake to the east.

Reference

Gray, J (1997) The Historical and Cultural Background of Selected Urban Parks in Canberra.